Spain’s New Border Entry System (EES)
Europe’s New Border Entry System (EES) Set for Phased Launch – What It Means for Travellers to Spain
SGM Abogados | News for Non-Residents & Expats in Spain
The European Union is preparing to roll out its long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital border control system that will impact non-EU travellers entering Spain and other Schengen countries. Approved by the European Parliament on July 8, 2025, the EES will be launched gradually, with full implementation expected by autumn 2025.
What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System is a high-tech solution designed to replace the current passport stamping process. It will electronically register each non-EU national crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area — recording key data such as:
Name
Biometric data (fingerprints and facial image)
Date and place of entry and exit
Length of authorised stay
This system will automatically calculate how long each traveller is allowed to stay in Schengen territory, making it easier to enforce the 90/180-day rule.
Why is it being introduced?
The main objectives of the EES are:
Enhancing border security
Reducing illegal overstays
Improving efficiency at border crossings
Eliminating the need for passport stamps
It will also help detect fraudulent documents and flag individuals who overstay their permitted duration.
When will it be launched?
MEPs have approved a phased implementation, meaning the system will first be rolled out at select airports and land border crossings before it becomes mandatory at all Schengen external borders. The goal is for full deployment by autumn 2025, giving Member States time to adapt and upgrade border control infrastructure.
What does this mean for travellers to Spain?
If you’re a non-EU national (such as a British, American, or Australian citizen) visiting Spain, you will soon need to go through biometric checks at entry and exit points. This may include fingerprint scans and facial recognition.
Once the EES is in place, your stay in Spain will be automatically tracked, and any overstay could result in fines, bans from re-entry, or future visa complications.
It’s especially important for property owners, frequent visitors, and digital nomads to keep a close eye on their travel dates once the EES is active.
What about the ETIAS?
The EES is separate from ETIAS, the new travel authorisation system for visa-exempt travellers, which is now expected to launch in mid-2026. While the EES controls your actual movements across borders, ETIAS is a pre-travel requirement that grants you permission to enter the Schengen zone.
Our advice
At SGM Abogados, we recommend that all non-EU clients who regularly travel to Spain:
Keep a record of your travel dates.
Understand the 90/180-day rule.
Be prepared for biometric registration at Spanish borders.
Contact us if you have questions about residency options to avoid short-stay limitations.
Need help understanding how this affects you?
Our team at SGM Abogados specialises in assisting non-residents, second-home owners, retirees, and expats with legal compliance in Spain. Contact us today if you need personalised legal guidance on your travel rights or immigration status.
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